Lacombe, LA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Louisiana has approximately 120,000 registered motorcycles. Dealing with motorcycle accident cases in Lacombe, LA comes with its own set of unique challenges due to the prevailing bias against motorcycle operators. The general perception often labels motorcycle drivers as thrill-seekers or daredevils.

In light of this, the role of a personal injury lawyer becomes crucial in recognizing and overcoming these biases. It is essential to demonstrate that the motorcyclist was operating their vehicle in a reasonable, safe, and lawful manner. As determined, knowledgeable, and resourceful motorcycle accident attorneys in Lacombe, LA, we are dedicated to providing you with strong legal representation.

At Trainor Law Firm, our attorneys will move fast with filing a claim, managing paperwork and legal documentation, meeting court deadlines, interviewing potential eyewitnesses, capturing images and videos of the crash site, collecting forensic and physical evidence, enlisting the expertise of accident reconstructionists to strengthen your claim, and negotiating from a position of strength with the defendant’s insurance company to secure maximum compensation for you.

Why are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Often More Severe?

Motorcycles are a common mode of transportation on the streets of Lacombe, LA. And due to the inherent characteristics of motorcycles, riders are more prone to sustaining severe injuries compared to individuals operating automobiles. The reasons for this include:

• Motorcyclists are exposed to direct impact between their bodies and the pavement or other vehicles.
• Motorcycles have only two wheels, making them less stable than other vehicles.
• Being smaller and lighter than other motor vehicles like cars, trucks, and buses, motorcycles are more vulnerable to greater damage even from a lighter impact.
• Due to their lack of bulk, motorcycles have lower visibility compared to other vehicles. This can lead to other drivers failing to notice or observe motorcycles, resulting in incidents such as failing to yield, cutting them off, following them too closely, or opening doors into their path.
• Roadway defects pose significant dangers to motorcyclists. Potholes, drainage issues, debris, and road construction defects can be far more hazardous for motorcyclists compared to car drivers.

Responsibilities of Other Motorists in Lacombe, LA

In Louisiana, car and truck drivers bear the responsibility of operating and controlling their vehicles in a reasonable manner, while maintaining a vigilant lookout for potential hazards. They must adapt to road conditions and take precautions to prevent harm to motorcyclists.

This entails allowing sufficient space between their vehicle and motorcycles, maintaining a safe following distance, diligently checking blind spots and signaling before changing lanes, and exercising caution when making left turns and crossing oncoming traffic.

What Should I Do if I Was Injured in a Motorcycle Crash Without a Helmet?

Although riding without a helmet is against the law in Lacombe, LA, you still have the right to pursue legal action against a negligent motorist for damages. With that said, the extent of the damages you can claim may be influenced by whether wearing a helmet would have prevented or mitigated those injuries.

For instance, if you have sustained a spinal cord injury, internal organ injury, amputation, broken bones, burn injury, or disfigurement, you could be entitled to full compensation regardless of helmet usage. Pertaining to this, proving a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be more challenging as the defendants may argue that wearing a helmet would have reduced the severity or prevented the head injury altogether.

Parties Potentially Liable in Lacombe, LA Bike Accidents

In numerous motorcycle accidents occurring in Lacombe, the front of the motorcycle is often the point of impact, resulting in severe and even fatal injuries. When faced with a significant motorcycle accident, injured victims may seek to hold the following entities accountable:

• Car and SUV drivers who were speeding, driving under the influence, displaying aggressive behavior, or distracted.
• Negligent drivers of commercial trucks and buses.
• The employer of a driver was found at fault.
• Component manufacturers in cases involving bike defects or tire blowouts.
• Motorcycle maintenance providers for faulty repairs or maintenance.
• Public entities, such as the city or state, due to poorly maintained roadways.
• Construction contractors responsible for hazards in construction zones.

Dangerous Intersections in Lacombe, LA

• Intersection of Highway 434 and US 190
• Intersection of North Tranquility Road and US 190
• Intersection of West Chestnut Street and North Pontchartrain Drive

Hospitals and Medical Centers in Lacombe, LA

• Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital
• Saint Catherine Memorial Hospital
• Beacon Behavioral Hospital
• Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital

Pure Comparative Fault Rule in Lacombe, LA

In Louisiana, negligence cases are governed by the “pure comparative fault” doctrine. Under this doctrine, liability is apportioned among all parties who contributed to the motorcycle accident and resulting injuries, based on their proven degree of fault. For instance, if you failed to use your blinker or check your blind spot while changing lanes, and it is determined that you were partially at fault, the amount of damages you may receive will be reduced proportionally to the percentage of your fault in causing your injuries.

Motorcycle Laws in Lacombe, LA

• All motorcycle riders, irrespective of age or their role as the driver or passenger, are required to wear a helmet.
• Attaching oneself to another vehicle on a roadway while on a motorcycle is prohibited.
• Handlebars should not exceed the operator’s shoulder height.
• Passengers must have access to footrests.
• Carrying items that obstruct sightlines is prohibited.
• Rear-facing child seats are not allowed.
• Motorcycles have their own lane.
• Operating a motorbike between lanes or adjacent lines of traffic is not permitted.
• Motorcyclists must not overtake other vehicles in the same lane.

When to Contact Our Lawyers in Lacombe, LA After a Motorcycle Accident

In Louisiana, there is a one-year statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit following a motorcycle accident. This means that you have one year from the date of the crash to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Time is of the essence in these cases as evidence may deteriorate or disappear quickly. Under Louisiana personal injury laws, it is the responsibility of the injured victims to prove damages caused by the negligent party. Therefore, it’s prudent to contact our Lacombe motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as possible to ensure proper representation.

Choose Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Lacombe, LA for Maximum Compensation

Recovering from a serious motorcycle accident can be a prolonged and challenging journey. These injuries often take a toll physically, emotionally, and financially, resulting in medical expenses, lost wages, and extended pain and suffering. You don’t have to face these challenges alone and endure further hardship after the accident.

Our accomplished motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to aggressively representing you during negotiations or at the trial and striving to secure the highest possible financial compensation you deserve. Call our office today at 985-545-3422 to speak with us or contact us online to schedule a free case review and consultation.